Ausgrid's Metford Substation on Track

Ausgrid crews have installed two transformers and the electrical switchgear at the new Metford zone substation, which will help safely supply electricity to about 8,000 local homes and businesses.

The substation has been designed to fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood while still achieving an economic and efficient solution to meet the requirements of the network.

“The new Metford zone substation will allow the nearby East Maitland zone substation to be shut down after almost 50 years’ service,” Ausgrid Chief Operating Officer Trevor Armstrong said.

“The recently completed Maitland Central zone substation replaced equipment installed in the 1970s, and these two projects together will help provide a safe and reliable power supply in the area for years to come.”

Fitting out a substation of this size is a major project with crews carrying work out both within the substation and on the surrounding electricity network.

Ausgrid crews have to build new sections of powerlines, both overhead and underground to connect the substation to the network and to the homes and businesses it supplies.

They will be working in 16 different locations across East Maitland and Metford building the necessary 33,000 volt and 11,000 volt powerlines.

The substation, which faces Chelmsford Drive is expected to be powered up mid-year.